The Best Order For Playing The Metal Gear Solid Games
Not every Metal Gear Solid game follows on from the last one. After all, the first game is set in 2005, while the third game takes place in 1964. Setting the series in different time periods allows them to focus on different characters. For instance, the games set in the 2000s and 2010s revolve around Solid Snake and Raiden, while the games taking place in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s are all about Big Boss.
The stories of these titles aren't entirely separate, though. They all have a lot to do with the group known as The Patriots, and each game gives you more information about the secret organization. To get the best story experience, here is the order in which you should play the games.
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid
Stealth Systems 9.0/10 Released October 20, 1998 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Violence Developer(s) Konami Computer Entertainment Japan Publisher(s) Konami Engine Fox Engine Platform(s) PS1, PC Powered by Expand CollapseWhile the original Metal Gear Solid isn't the first game chronologically, it still remains the best starting point for the series. After all, it was designed to be the first Metal Gear Solid game, so it does a good job of easing you into the story. It is a bit of a follow-up to Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2, but because it's technically a different series, the game doesn't assume you've played them.
During the game, you're introduced to important characters in the series, such as Solid Snake, Otacon, Ocelot, and Liquid. You also learn about Big Boss and the Les Enfants Terribles project, which are big parts of Metal Gear Solid. It is also a good starting point gameplay-wise, as much of what this title does is built on afterward.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Stealth Systems Released November 13, 2001WHERE TO PLAY
PHYSICALMGS2 is a natural follow-up to the first game. The story isn't a direct continuation, but without going into too many spoilers, knowledge of the first game does help you appreciate this one more. It also introduces a few new characters. The most important of them is Raiden, who serves as the main protagonist in this game.
Another important thing that this title establishes is The Patriots. They are involved from the shadows in the original game, but they're more openly talked about in this one, even though the secret nature of the group means some people can't say their name. However, they play a huge role in the narrative of MGS2.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)
Stealth Action Adventure Systems Released November 17, 2004WHERE TO PLAY
PHYSICALAfter being introduced to Solid Snake, Raiden, and The Patriots in the first two games, it's now time to go back to 1964 to see a young Big Boss in action. He doesn't even have that moniker at the start. Instead, his name is simply Naked Snake, instantly adding him to the collection of the strong people who have used the Snake codename.
The adventure shows how Big Boss became the legendary soldier he is later known as. The game also has significance because it involves all the people who would later help create The Patriots. Plus, the events of this game directly lead to the creation of that group, even if you don't see them come together in this title.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Stealth Systems Released June 8, 2010WHERE TO PLAY
PHYSICALPeace Walker is set in 1974, which is 10 years after Metal Gear Solid 3. Naked Snake is once again the protagonist, but he's running a mercenary unit this time. Along with him, the game features Kaz Miller, who kind of made an appearance in the original game, as well as Huey Emmerich and Paz. So, it adds a few new faces to the series.
The main purpose of playing this game, though, is to see how Snake is doing in the aftermath of Snake Eater. That is the main thing it adds to the overall MGS storyline, as you see Snake move away from fighting for his country.
Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes
Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes
Stealth Systems Released March 18, 2014WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALGround Zeroes is one of the shortest Metal Gear games ever. This is because it's more of a prologue to Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain than a fully fledged game.
Therefore, there is not much story to speak of. The narrative revolves around Big Boss rescuing Paz and Chico from Skull Face. Meanwhile, the UN is inspecting Snake's base. It all leads up to a final cutscene that puts all the characters where they need to be for The Phantom Pain. Therefore, it needs to be played before The Phantom Pain.
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Action Open-World Systems Released September 1, 2015WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThe Phantom Pain is a direct follow-up to the ending of Ground Zeroes. It's also the latest main release in the Metal Gear Solid series. Yet, it should not be the game you finish on. This is because the ending doesn't feel like a true conclusion of the series.
What it does is give you more insight into Big Boss's time post-Snake Eater, while edging closer to the period of the original Metal Gear, in which he's a villain. Along the way, you get to see some of Liquid's early life and learn more about Kaz's complicated relationship with Big Boss.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Stealth Systems Released June 12, 2008WHERE TO PLAY
PHYSICALAs far as the main games go, Metal Gear Solid 4 is at the end from a chronological standpoint. This is because it's set in 2014. Although it was released earlier than some of the other games, it's best saved for last because it effectively ties up a bunch of storylines from both the Solid Snake and Big Boss games.
Several character arcs come to an end, and you see Solid Snake enter his twilight years due to his accelerated aging. Plus, most of the characters from previous games appear in this one, as long as they're still alive. Therefore, it feels like a true send-off to Metal Gear Solid.
